Carlton Corner: Building a Training and Development Program with Purpose
A little over a year ago, Carlton National Resources decided to modernize its training and development program. We understood that investing in our people would strengthen the work we do for clients, consultants, and internal teams.
Today, the program plays a central role in how we develop confident recruiters and business development managers. It helps prepare them to support the evolving needs of the Life Sciences and Software and Hardware markets.
The program did not take shape overnight. We built it intentionally, step by step, with a focus on practical learning, collaboration, and real-world application.
Building a Stronger Training Foundation
Under the leadership of Michael Catapano, our Training & Development Director, the program has grown into a structured and interactive experience. It supports new hires from their first day forward.
As Michael shares, “Since the inception of our modernized training modules, the program has progressively helped instill, strengthen, and reinforce the capabilities of both our recruiting and sales team.”
Instead of relying only on observation or trial and error, new team members receive guided instruction. Training includes interactive modules, role-playing scenarios, and detailed resume breakdowns.
These exercises reflect the realities of the roles employees are stepping into. The program also emphasizes recruiting and sales techniques, relationship building, and technical knowledge within specific industry segments.
This approach helps trainees build confidence early in their careers.
Developing Practical Skills for Real-World Success
The training and development program begins with foundational sales training and progresses into more advanced skill development.
New hires learn the core capabilities our clients rely on us to provide. These include understanding technical requirements, navigating complex hiring needs, and communicating effectively with consultants and clients.
The program also helps employees build the confidence to manage relationships independently.
Our goal is not simply to teach employees what to do. We also explain why each skill matters and how it affects the success of our partners.
Strengthening Client and Consultant Relationships
As the program evolved, its impact grew as well.
We prioritize hands-on learning, consistent coaching, and direct involvement from senior leadership. This approach has helped strengthen the way our teams support clients and consultants.
As Michael notes, this collaboration has “allowed us to have significantly more of an impact with our client/contractor relationships and the market as a whole.”
Training also improves the quality of client conversations. When our teams understand the industries they support and the skills their clients need, they can communicate more strategically.
As a result, conversations become more informed, collaborative, and productive.
Training is not simply an internal benefit. It directly influences the quality of service we provide and the trust we build with the organizations we support.
Using Feedback to Improve the Program
Accountability and continuous improvement remain central to the program.
During active training cycles, we conduct quarterly surveys to gather feedback directly from employees. Their input helps us identify gaps, understand what works well, and determine where teams may need additional support.
We do not collect feedback as a formality.
Instead, we review it and apply what we learn to improve the program in real time. This process helps ensure that employees receive the tools, guidance, and resources they need to succeed.
Building for Long-Term Growth
Looking ahead, continuing to strengthen the program remains essential.
As Michael emphasizes, its ability to “plug in more high-level people to our team is imperative for the continued scalability of the company.”
What began as a blank slate three years ago has become a foundational part of Carlton’s culture.
The program reflects a simple belief. When you invest in people, listen to their feedback, and continue adapting, you create stronger teams and better long-term outcomes.
By continuing to evolve our training and development program, Carlton National Resources can better prepare employees, strengthen client partnerships, and support sustainable growth across the organization.
Interested in learning more about internal career opportunities at Carlton National Resources? Visit our website to explore current openings and learn more about joining the Carlton team.
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